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Cerebrovascular disease, which affects circulation of blood in the brain, is significantly associated with dementia, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

The researchers analysed 5,715 cases from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) database, which have been collected from across the United States since the launch of the NACC in 1999.

The finding suggests that early management of vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and adopting a “heart healthy” diet, as well as exercise and other aspects of mid-life lifestyles may delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.